Headgear for protective headwear

ABSTRACT

In one aspect, a headgear for engaging and supporting protective headwear on a wearer&#39;s head is provided. The headgear may include a first side member on a first side of the headgear, a second side member on a second side of the headgear, and a forehead strap pivotally coupled to and extending between the first and second side members. The forehead strap may be configured to engage a wearer&#39;s forehead with the headgear worn by a wearer. The headgear may also include a second strap coupled to and extending between the first and second side members.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of co-pending U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/722,664, filed May 27,2015, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/012,483, filed Jun. 16, 2014, the contents ofall of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to protective headwear and,more particularly, to headgear within protective headwear for supportingthe protective headwear on a wearer's head.

BACKGROUND

Protective headwear typically includes headgear within the headwear toengage a wearer's head and support the protective headwear upon thewearer's head. Conventional headgear is uncomfortable, unstable on awearer's head, and poor at accommodating different size heads.

SUMMARY

Thus, a need exists for headgear that resolves one or more of thesedeficiencies.

In one aspect, it is desirable to have headgear that is comfortable,stable, and capable of adequately accommodating heads of varying size.

In one aspect, a headgear for protective headwear is provided andincludes a pivotal forehead strap.

In one aspect, a headgear for protective headwear is provided andincludes a forehead strap including a first member, a second memberspace-apart from the first member and a cavity between the first memberand the second member.

In one aspect, a headgear for engaging and supporting protectiveheadwear on a wearer's head is provided. The headgear may include afirst side member on a first side of the headgear, a second side memberon a second side of the headgear, and a forehead strap pivotally coupledto and extending between the first and second side members. The foreheadstrap may be configured to engage a wearer's forehead with the headgearworn by a wearer. The headgear may also include a second strap coupledto and extending between the first and second side members.

In one aspect, the second strap may be rigidly coupled to the first andsecond side members.

In one aspect, the second strap may include a first end rigidly andnon-rotatably coupled to the first side member and a second end rigidlyand non-rotatably coupled to the second side member.

In one aspect, the second strap may be pivotally coupled to and extendbetween the first and second side members.

In one aspect, the forehead strap may rotate within an angle of about 1degree to about 90 degrees, and the second strap may rotate within anangle of about 1 degree to about 90 degrees.

In one aspect, the forehead strap may rotate within an angle of about 5degrees to about 45 degrees, and the second strap may rotate within anangle of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees.

In one aspect, the forehead strap may rotate within an angle of about 15degrees, and the second strap may rotate within an angle of about 15degrees.

In one aspect, the second strap may be a top strap configured to extendover a top of a wearer's head.

In one aspect, the headgear may further include a third strap coupled toand extending between the first and second side members. The secondstrap may be positioned between the forehead strap and the third strap.

In one aspect, one of the second strap and the third strap may bepivotally coupled to the first and second side members, and the other ofthe second strap and the third strap may be rigidly and non-pivotallycoupled to the first and second side members.

In one aspect, the second strap may be pivotally coupled to the firstand second side members, and the third strap may be rigidly andnon-pivotally coupled to the first and second side members.

In one aspect, the third strap may be unitarily formed as one-piece withthe first and second side members.

In one aspect, the second strap may be a top strap configured to extendover and engage a top of a wearer's head and the third strap may be arear strap configured to extend behind and engage a rear of a wearer'shead.

In one aspect, the forehead strap may rotate within an angle of about 1degree to about 90 degrees.

In one aspect, the forehead strap may rotate within an angle of about 5degrees to about 45 degrees.

In one aspect, the forehead strap may rotate within an angle of about 15degrees.

In one aspect, the forehead strap may be snap-fit to the first andsecond side members.

In one aspect, an aperture may be defined near each end of the foreheadstrap. Each of the first and second side members may include a pair ofresilient projections extending therefrom. The pair of resilientprojections extending from the first side member may insert into one ofthe apertures on one end of the forehead strap and the pair of resilientprojections extending from the second side member may insert into theother one of the apertures in the other end of the forehead strap.

In one aspect, the headgear may further include a limiting memberengageable by the forehead strap to limit pivoting of the foreheadstrap.

In one aspect, the limiting member may extend from one of the first andsecond side members and may be engageable by an edge of the foreheadstrap.

In one aspect, the limiting member may be engageable by a top edge and abottom edge of the forehead strap to limit pivoting of the foreheadstrap in two directions.

In one aspect, a protective headwear is provided and includes a shell, ashield coupled to the shell and configured to allow at least partialviewing there through by a wearer of the protective headwear, and aheadgear pivotally coupled to the shell. The headgear is configured toengage a wearer's head to support the shell relative to the wearer'shead and facilitate pivoting of the shell relative to the headgearbetween a downward position and an upward position. The headgearincludes a first side member on a first side of the headgear, a secondside member on a second side of the headgear, and a forehead strappivotally coupled to and extending between the first and second sidemembers. The forehead strap is configured to engage a wearer's foreheadwith the headgear worn by a wearer. The headgear also includes a secondstrap coupled to and extending between the first and second sidemembers, and a third strap coupled to and extending between the firstand second side members. The second strap is between the forehead strapand the third strap. One of the second strap and the third strap ispivotally coupled to the first and second side members, and the otherone of the second strap and the third strap is rigidly and non-pivotallycoupled to the first and second side members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a top, front perspective view of one example of a protectiveheadwear, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of one example of headgear that may be included inthe protective headwear shown in FIG. 1, according to one aspect of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the headgear shown in FIG. 2, according to oneaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the headgear shown in FIG. 2 with a foreheadstrap being pivotal within a first range and a top strap being pivotalwithin a second range, according to one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a top, front perspective view of another example of a foreheadstrap that is capable of being used with the headgear shown in FIG. 2,according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top, front perspective view of another example of a foreheadstrap that is capable of being used with the headgear shown in FIG. 2,according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a top, front perspective view of another example of a foreheadstrap that is capable of being used with the headgear shown in FIG. 2,according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a top, front perspective view of another example of a headgearthat may be included in the protective headwear shown in FIG. 1,according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the headgear shown in FIG. 8, according to oneaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a top, rear perspective view of the headgear shown in FIG. 8,according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a portion of another example of a headgearcapable of being used with the protective headwear shown in FIG. 1,according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a portion of another example of a headgearcapable of being used with the protective headwear shown in FIG. 1,according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a portion of another example of a headgearcapable of being used with the protective headwear shown in FIG. 1,according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a portion of another example of a headgearcapable of being used with the protective headwear shown in FIG. 1,according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, one example of protective headwear 20 isillustrated. In this illustrated example, the protective headwear 20 isa welding helmet. The welding helmet 20 includes an outer shell 24, afirst shield 28, a second shield (beneath the first shield 28 and notshown), and headgear 36 (see FIG. 2) positioned within the outer shell24. The first shield 28 may be a welding shield and is coupled to theouter shell 24 over the second shield. The first shield 28 is tinted orotherwise darkened in order to inhibit damage to a wearer's eyes whileperforming a welding process. The second shield is coupled to the outershell 24 beneath the first shield 28 and is less tinted or moretransparent than the first shield 28. In one example, the second shieldhas no tinting or darkening and is completely transparent. The secondshield may be referred to as a grinding shield.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, one example of headgear 36 is illustrated.One side of the headgear 36 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, but itshould be understood that the headgear 36 may be a substantial mirrorimage about a vertical plane extending through a center of the headgear36 (and a wearer's head when the headgear 36 is worn). In other words,the headgear 36 may be symmetrical on both sides of a wearer's head asillustrated in FIG. 3. The headgear 36 is capable of coupling to theexemplary protective headwear 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 or the headgear36 may be coupled to other types of protective headwear 20. For example,the headgear 36 may be coupled to hard hats, bicycle helmets, or anyother type of headwear capable of providing protection to a wearer'shead. The headgear 36 is capable of engaging a wearer's head andsupporting the protective headwear 20 on the wearer's head. The headgear36 may be coupled to the outer shell 24 of the protective headwear 20 ina variety of manners such as, for example, movably coupled, pivotallycoupled, rigidly coupled, unitarily formed with, among other manners.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-4, the headgear 36 includes acoupling member 40 on each side of the headgear 36 for coupling to theouter shell 24 on both sides of the outer shell 24. Each coupling member40 has a plurality of mounting locations 44 to which the outer shell 24may be selectively coupled as desired. The outer shell 24 is coupled toone mounting location 44 at a time on each side and remains rigidlycoupled to those mounting locations 44 until the outer shell 24 isactively decoupled from the headgear 36. The various mounting locations44 provide a wearer with the ability to adjust the outer shell 24relative to the wearer's head.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the protective headwear 20 includes anactuator 46 on each side of the outer shell 24 that is rotatablerelative to the outer shell 24. The outer shell 24 is capable ofrotating relative to the headgear 36 between a down, operable positionas shown in FIG. 1, in which the protective headwear 20 covers awearer's face and eyes to protect them during a welding or otheroperation, and an upward, inoperable position, in which the outer shell24 is rotated upward away from the wearer's eyes and face to expose themwhile a wearer may not be performing an operation. The actuators 46 areadjustable to provide varying quantities of resistance to movement ofthe outer shell 24 relative to the headgear 36. In some instances, awearer may wish to have little to no resistance to rotation of the outershell 24 between the upward and downward positions and in otherinstances a wearer may wish to have more or significant resistance torotation of the outer shell 24 relative to the headgear 36. Eachactuator 46 is generally cylindrical in shape, includes a plurality ofprojections 48 around a circumference of the actuators 46 to assist withgripping of the actuators 46, and is threadably coupled to the headgear36. Rotating the actuators 46 in one direction tightens or increasesresistance between the outer shell 24 and the headgear 36, therebymaking it more difficult to rotate the outer shell 24 relative to theheadgear 36. Rotating the actuators 46 in a second or opposite directionloosens or decreases the resistance between the outer shell 24 and theheadgear 36, thereby making it easier to rotate the outer shell 24relative to the headgear 36.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-4, the headgear 36 also includes a sidemember 64 on each side of the headgear 36, a forehead strap 68, a topstrap 72, a rear strap 76, an occipital strap 80 and a tightening member84 coupled to the occipital strap 80.

The top strap 72 is pivotally coupled at its ends 88 to respective sidemembers 64 and is positioned to extend over a crown or top of a wearer'shead. Protective headwear 20 is commonly used in non-level orientationssuch as, for example, a downward angle (e.g., during welding, the welderis looking downward and forward toward the welding area), an upwardangle (e.g., a wearer may be looking upward and overhead), etc. In suchnon-level orientations, the top strap 72 may minimize shifting of theprotective headwear 20 relative to the wearer's head as a result of thetop strap 72 extending over the crown or top of the wearer's head. Thetop strap 72 may be pivotally coupled to the side members 64 in avariety of manners and all of such possibilities are intended to bewithin the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In theillustrated example, the top strap 72 is snap-fit to the side members 64in a manner that allows pivoting of the top strap 72 relative to theside members 64. In this example, an aperture 89 is defined near eachend 88 of the top strap 72 and a pair of spaced-apart, resilientprojections 90 extend from each of the side members 64. The projections90 are moveable relative to each other and may be pressed together ortoward each other to allow the projections 90 to insert into arespective one of the apertures 89 defined in an end 88 of the top strap72. When the protections 90 are pressed together, the projections 90 aresufficiently close together to be smaller than the respective aperture89 and insert into the aperture 89. The resiliency of the twoprojections 90 allow the two projections 90 to move toward their at restposition when a user ceases to press the projections 90 together. Thetwo projections 90 return to a size larger than the respective aperture89 of the top strap 72 to inhibit the top strap 72 from being removedfrom the side members 64. This configuration of apertures 89 andprojections 90 facilitate rotation of the top strap 72 relative to theside members 64.

The headgear 36 also includes a limiting member or stop 91 associatedwith each end 88 of the top strap 72 to limit rotation of the top strap72 relative to the side members 64. The limiting member 91 may have anyconfiguration, may be positioned on the top strap 72 and/or the sidemembers 64, and may limit rotation of the top strap 72 within any rangeof movement and all of such possibilities are intended to be within thespirit and scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example,each limiting member 91 comprises a projection extending from therespective side member 64 and positioned to engage opposite longitudinaledges 93, 94 of the top strap 72. The projection 91 engages a front edge93 of the top strap 72 to limit rotation of the top strap 72 toward afront of the headgear 36 and engages a rear edge 94 of the top strap 72to limit rotation of the top strap 72 toward a rear of the headgear 36.In the illustrated example, each projection 91 extends uninterrupted (orcontiguous) around the end 88 of the top strap 92 about 270 degrees toengage both the front and rear edges 93, 94 of the top strap 72. Inanother example, the headgear 36 may include multiple limiting membersat each end 88 of the top strap 72. For example, the headgear 36 mayinclude a first limiting member to engage the front edge 93 of the topstrap 72 and a second limiting member to engage the rear edge 94 of thetop strap 72. This example with multiple limiting members may beemployed at both ends 88 of the top strap 72. In another example, theheadgear 36 may include a limiting member at only one end 88 of the topstrap 72, thereby limiting rotation of the top strap 72 at only one end88.

With particular reference to FIG. 4, the limiting members 91 associatedwith the top strap 72 (one limiting member at each end 88 in theillustrated embodiment) are configured to allow rotation of the topstrap 72 within angle θ. The angle θ may be any angle and all of suchpossibilities are intended to be within the intended spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure. In one example, the angle θ may be about 15degrees. In another example, the angle θ may be between about 5 degreesand about 30 degrees. In another example, the angle θ may be betweenabout 1 degree and about 90 degrees. The top strap 72 is capable ofbeing rotated between any angle or any range of angles and all of suchpossibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the rear strap 76 is rigidly coupled at itsends 92 to respective side members 64 (i.e., non-rotatable) and ispositioned to extend around a rear of a wearer's head. In anotherexample, the rear strap 76 may be pivotally coupled at its ends 92 torespective side members 64. In such an example, the rear strap 76 mayrotate between any range of angles and may be limited in rotation in anymanner, including the limiting members described above with respect tothe top strap 72, and all of such possibilities are intended to bewithin the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The top strap 72and the rear strap 76 are oriented in positions relative to each otherto minimize shifting of the protective headwear 20 on a wearer's head.

The two occipital straps 80, one on each side of the headgear 36, extendfrom the side members 64, drop down below the rear strap 76, and wraparound or extend along an occipital crest of a wearer, then extend underthe occipital crest. The positions of the occipital straps 80 allowpressure originating from the protective headwear 20 to be applied tobony structure (e.g., the occipital bone and crest of a skull) of thewearer's head where the wearer has less of a perception of pressure thanon soft tissue of the wearer's head.

In the illustrated example, the occipital straps 80 may be compliant tothe wearer's head. The occipital straps 80 may be made of a variety ofdifferent materials and have a variety of shapes, as long as theoccipital straps 80 are compliant. In one example, each occipital strapincludes a first portion 97 rigidly coupled to the side member 64 and asecond portion 98 pivotally coupled to the first portion 97 at ends ofthe first portion 97 and the second portion 98. In one example, thefirst portions 97 of the occipital strap 80 may be unitarily formed asone-piece with the side members 64. The second portions 98 of theoccipital strap 80 are rotatable relative to the respective firstportions 97 between any range of angles and are coupled to thetightening member 84. Each of the first portions 97 of the occipitalstrap 80 extend backwards and downwards from the respective side member64.

In another example, the side members 64 may extend rearward anddownward, and the occipital straps 80 may be pivotally coupled to endsof respective side members 64. In this example, the tightening member 84is coupled to the occipital straps 80 and the occipital straps 80 arerotatable relative to the side members 64 between any range. If thisexample is compared to the previous example, the first portions 97 ofthe occipital strap 80 in the previous example would be considered partof the side members 64 and the second portions 98 of the previousexample would be considered the occipital straps 80 in this example.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-4, the headgear 36 further includesa pad 100 coupled to at least one of the occipital straps 80 and/or thetightening member 84 and positioned at a rear of the headgear 36. Thepad 100 is capable of engaging a rear of the wearer's head to providecomfort and further support. When the tightening member 84 is tightened,the pad 100 may rise up and under the occipital crest of the wearer'shead to secure the headgear 36 in place using the natural geometry ofthe wearer's head.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the forehead strap 68 is pivotally coupled tothe remainder of the headgear 36. The forehead strap 68 includes twoends 104 with both ends 104 pivotally coupled to respective side members64 at a high forehead position. Human heads have a variety of foreheadslopes and the pivoting forehead strap 68 accommodates such varyingforehead slopes. As a wearer begins to place the headgear 36 on his/herhead, the wearer will pull the headgear 36 down onto his/her head, theforehead strap 68 will slide down the wearer's forehead, and willterminate sliding down the wearer's head at an appropriate point on thewearer's forehead based on the slope of the wearer's forehead. It islikely that the remainder of the headgear 36 is not completely down andsupported upon the wearer's head when the forehead strap 68 is in thisposition. The pivoting ends 104 of the forehead strap 68 allow theremainder of the headgear 36 to continue to move downward until the topand rear straps 72, 76 engage the wearer's head and the headgear 36 issupported on the wearer's head. The pivoting forehead strap 68 will lieflat against a wearer's forward and evenly distribute pressure to thewearer's forehead, rather than apply a significant quantity of pressureat a single point or edge. In some instances of conventional headgear,the forehead strap, the side members and/or the rear strap are the same,unitary strap. With such a conventional design, the conventionalforehead strap would have prevented the headgear from settlingcompletely onto a wearer's head and a front bottom edge of theconventional forehead strap would dig into the wearer's forehead. Thepivotal forehead strap 68 of the present disclosure also inhibits afront lower edge 108 of the forehead strap 68 from digging into thewearer's head.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2-4, the forehead strap 68 is pivotally coupledat its ends 104 to respective side members 64 and is positioned toextend over a forehead of a wearer's head. The forehead strap 68 may bepivotally coupled to the side members 64 in a variety of manners and allof such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the forehead strap68 is snap-fit to the side members 64 in a manner that allows pivotingof the forehead strap 68 relative to the side members 64. In thisexample, an aperture 113 is defined in each end 104 of the foreheadstrap 68 and a pair of spaced-apart, resilient projections 114 extendfrom each of the side members 64. The projections 114 are moveablerelative to each other and may be pressed together or toward each otherto allow the projections 114 to insert into a respective one of theapertures 113 defined in an end 104 of the forehead strap 68. When theprojections 114 are pressed together, the projections 114 aresufficiently close together to be smaller than the aperture 113, therebyfacilitating insertion into the aperture 113. The resiliency of the twoprojections 114 allow the two projections 114 to return toward their atrest position when a user ceases to press the projections 114 together.The two projections 114 return to a size larger than the respectiveaperture 113 of the forehead strap 68 to inhibit the forehead strap 68from being removed from the side members 64. This configuration ofapertures 113 and projections 114 facilitate rotation of the foreheadstrap 68 relative to the side members 64, while also inhibiting removalof the forehead strap 68 from the side members 64.

The headgear 36 also includes a limiting member or stop 117 associatedwith each end 104 of the forehead strap 68 to limit rotation of theforehead strap 68 relative to the side members 64. The limiting members117 may have any configuration, may be positioned on the forehead strap68 and/or the side members 64, and may limit rotation of the foreheadstrap 68 between any range of movement and all of such possibilities areintended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Inthe illustrated example, each limiting member 117 comprises a projectionextending from the respective side member 64 and is positioned to engageopposite longitudinal edges 118, 119 of the forehead strap 68. Theprojection 117 engages a bottom edge 119 of the forehead strap 68 tolimit rotation of the forehead strap 68 downward and engages a top edge118 of the forehead strap 68 to limit rotation of the forehead strap 68upward. In the illustrated example, each projection 117 extendsuninterrupted (or contiguous) around the respective end 104 of theforehead strap 68 about 270 degrees to engage both the top and bottomedges 118, 119 of the forehead strap 68. In another example, theheadgear 36 may include multiple limiting members 117 at each end 104 ofthe forehead strap 68. For example, the headgear 36 may include a firstlimiting member to engage the bottom edge 119 of the forehead strap 68and a second limiting member to engage the top edge 118 of the foreheadstrap 68. This example with multiple limiting members may be employed atboth ends 104 of the forehead strap 68. In another example, the headgear36 may include a limiting member 117 at only one end 104 of the foreheadstrap 68, thereby limiting rotation of the forehead strap 68 at only oneend 104.

With particular reference to FIG. 4, the limiting members 117 associatedwith the forehead strap 68 (one limiting member at each end 104 in theillustrated embodiment) are configured to allow rotation of the foreheadstrap 68 between angle α. The angle α may be any angle and all of suchpossibilities are intended to be within the intended spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure. In one example, the angle α may be about 15degrees. In another example, the angle α may be between about 5 degreesand about 30 degrees. In another example, the angle α may be betweenabout 1 degree and about 90 degrees. The forehead strap 68 is capable ofbeing rotated between any angle or any angle range and all of suchpossibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

In some examples, the pivoting forehead strap 68 may eliminate the needto include a tightening member that provides additional pressure tosecure the headgear 36 to a wearer's head. In one example, the foreheadstrap 68 may include padding or other soft material on an interiorsurface thereof configured to engage a wearer's forehead and provideadditional comfort. In one example, the pivoting forehead strap 68provides a self-adjusting feature that allows a wearer to adjust or movethe protective headwear 20 and headgear 36 relative to their head andthe pivoting forehead strap 68 accommodates that movement to resettlethe headgear 36 and the protective headwear 20 on the wearer's head.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-4, the forehead strap 68 is a splitforehead strap 68 including an upper member 116, a lower member 120 anda space or cavity 124 between the upper member 116 and the lower member120. The split forehead strap 68 distributes pressure or force appliedto a wearer's forehead by the protective headwear 20 over a largersurface area, while also having minimal contact area with the wearer'sforehead as a result of the cavity 124. Additionally, air can access awearer's forehead through the cavity 124, thereby increasing the comfortof a wearer while wearing the protective headwear 20 and the headgear36.

In the illustrated example, the forehead strap 68 is a unitarily formedone-piece member including two pivots or pivot points, one at each endthereof, and the cavity 124 being defined between the upper and lowermembers 116, 120. The forehead strap 68 also includes at least onesupport member 126 extending between the upper and lower members 116,120. The at least one member 126 may provide stability or rigiditybetween the upper and lower members 116, 120. In the illustratedexample, the forehead strap 68 includes a plurality of members 126extending between the upper and lower members 116, 120. The foreheadstrap 68 may include any number of members 126 extending between theupper and lower members 116, 120 and all of such possibilities areintended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-4, the forehead strap 68 is wider130 in a middle of the forehead strap 68 and narrower 134 near each endof the forehead strap 68. In one example, a size of the wider portion130 corresponds to a size of the cavity 124. In one example, the widerportion 130 is about a same length as a length of the cavity 124. Inanother example, the wider portion 130 is slightly longer than a lengthof the cavity 124.

Referring now to FIG. 5, another example of a forehead strap 68 isillustrated. The upper member 116, lower member 120 and cavity 124 havedifferent shapes and configurations than the forehead strap 68illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. However, the forehead strap 68 in FIG. 5 isstill a pivoting forehead strap 68. The forehead strap 68 illustrated inFIG. 5 may be coupled to and pivot relative to the side members 64 insimilar manners and alternatives discussed above with respect to theforehead strap 68 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

With reference to FIG. 6, another example of a forehead strap 68 isillustrated, and this forehead strap 68 is still a pivoting foreheadstrap 68, but includes an upper member 116, a lower member 120 and acavity 124 having different shapes and configurations than the foreheadstrap 68 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. The forehead strap 68 illustrated inFIG. 6 may be coupled to and pivot relative to the side members 64 insimilar manners and alternatives discussed above with respect to theforehead strap 68 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

With reference to FIG. 7, another example of a forehead strap 68 isillustrated, and this forehead strap 68 is still a pivoting foreheadstrap 68, but includes an upper member 116, a lower member 120 and acavity 124 having different shapes and configurations than the foreheadstrap 68 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. The forehead strap 68 illustrated inFIG. 7 may be coupled to and pivot relative to the side members 64 insimilar manners and alternatives discussed above with respect to theforehead strap 68 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

It should be understood that the forehead strap 68 may have any shape,size, and configuration and still be within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, another example of a headgear 36 isillustrated. The headgear 36 includes a split forehead strap 68 thatpivots about its ends 104, a top strap 72 extending over a crown or topof a wearer's head, a rear strap 76 that extends around a rear of awearer's head, an occipital strap 80 that is pivotally coupled at itsends to the side members 64, a pad 100 coupled to and around theoccipital strap 80 and positioned near a rear of a wearer's head, and atightening member 84 for tightening the headgear 36 to a wearer's head.

With reference to FIG. 11, another example of a forehead strap 68 isillustrated. One side of the forehead strap 68 and associated componentsare illustrated in FIG. 11, but it should be understood that theforehead strap 68 and associated components may be a substantial mirrorimage about a vertical plane extending through a center of the headgear(and a wearer's head when the headgear is worn). In other words, theforehead strap 68 and associated components may be symmetrical on bothsides of a wearer's head as illustrated in FIG. 11. In this example, theforehead strap 68 is a pivoting forehead strap and pivots relative tothe side members 64. Also, in this example, the forehead strap 68 iscomprised of a first forehead strap 68A and a second forehead strap 68B.Both of the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B are pivotallycoupled to the side members 64 and are spaced-apart from one another.This example of the forehead strap 68 includes a space or cavity 124between the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B. Similar to theforehead strap 68 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, each of the first and secondforehead straps 68A, 68B define apertures 138 at their ends 142 thatcooperate with pairs of projections 146 in order to couple and allowrotation of the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B to the sidemembers 64. The pairs of projections 146 and ends 142 of the foreheadstraps 68A, 68B may cooperate in similar manners to that described abovein connection with the forehead strap 68 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

In this example, the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B rotaterelative to each other and are configured to accommodate various headsizes. The first and second foreheads straps 68A, 68B may rotate betweenany range of angles. In one example, the first forehead strap 68A mayrotate between the same angle as the second forehead strap 68B. Inanother example, the first forehead strap 68A may rotate between adifferent angle than the second forehead strap 68B. In the illustratedexample, the headgear 36 associated with the first and second foreheadstraps 68A, 68B does not include any limiting members for engaging andlimiting rotation of the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B. Inanother example, the headgear 36 associated with the first and secondforehead straps 68A, 68B may include a limiting member for each end 142of both the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B. In such anexample, the headgear 36 would include four limiting members. In anotherexample, the headgear 36 may include a limiting member for only one end142 of each of the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B. In such anexample, the headgear 36 would include two limiting members. These twolimiting members may be on complementary ends 142 of the first andsecond forehead straps 68A, 68B or opposite ends 142 of the first andsecond forehead straps 68A, 68B. In another example, only one of thefirst forehead strap 68A or second forehead strap 68B may have alimiting member(s) associated therewith. In such an example, thelimiting member(s) may engage and limit only one of the first or secondforehead straps 68A, 68B, while the other of the first or secondforehead straps 68A, 68B may be free to rotate.

With reference to FIG. 12, another example of a forehead strap 68 isillustrated. One side of the forehead strap 68 and associated componentsare illustrated in FIG. 12, but it should be understood that theforehead strap 68 and associated components may be a substantial mirrorimage about a vertical plane extending through a center of the headgear(and a wearer's head when the headgear is worn). In other words, theforehead strap 68 and associated components may be symmetrical on bothsides of a wearer's head as illustrated in FIG. 12. In this example, theforehead strap 68 is a pivoting forehead strap and pivots relative tothe side members 64. Also, in this example, the forehead strap 68 iscomprised of a first forehead strap 68A and a second forehead strap 68B.Both of the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B are pivotallycoupled to the side members 64 and are spaced-apart from one another.This example of the forehead strap 68 includes a space or cavity 124between the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B. Similar to theforehead strap 68 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, each of the first and secondforehead straps 68A, 68B define apertures 138 at their ends 142 thatcooperate with pairs of projections 146 in order to couple and allowrotation of the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B to the sidemembers 64. The pairs of projections 146 and ends 142 of the foreheadstraps 68A, 68B may cooperate in similar manners to that described abovein connection with the forehead strap 68 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

In this example, a support member 150 is coupled to and extends betweenthe first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B. The support member 150couples the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B together andresults in the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B rotatingtogether. Similar to other rotatable forehead straps of the presentdisclosure, the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B are configuredto accommodate various head sizes. The first and second foreheads straps68A, 68B may rotate between any range of angles. In one example, sincethe first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B are coupled together bythe support member 150, the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68Bmay rotate between the same angle. In the illustrated example, theheadgear 36 associated with the first and second forehead straps 68A,68B does not include any limiting members for engaging and limitingrotation of the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B. In anotherexample, the headgear 36 associated with the first and second foreheadstraps 68A, 68B may include a limiting member for each end 142 of boththe first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B. In such an example, theheadgear 36 would include four limiting members. In another example, theheadgear 36 may include a limiting member for only one end 142 of eachof the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B. In such an example,the headgear 36 would include two limiting members. These two limitingmembers may be on complementary ends 142 of the first and secondforehead straps 68A, 68B or opposite ends 142 of the first and secondforehead straps 68A, 68B. In another example, only one of the firstforehead strap 68A or second forehead strap 68B may have a limitingmember(s) associated therewith. In such an example, the limitingmember(s) may engage and limit only one of the first or second foreheadstraps 68A, 68B, but due to the coupling of the first and secondforehead straps 68A, 68B together with the support member 150 thelimiting member limits rotation of both the first and second foreheadstraps 68A, 68B. The illustrated example of the headgear 36 illustratesa single support member 150 between the first and second forehead straps68A, 68B. In another example, the headgear 36 includes a plurality ofsupport members 150 between the first and second forehead straps 68A,68B. It should be understood that any number of support members may becoupled to and extend between the first and second forehead straps 68A,68B and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the spiritand scope of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIG. 13, another example of a forehead strap 68 isillustrated. One side of the forehead strap 68 and associated componentsare illustrated in FIG. 13, but it should be understood that theforehead strap 68 and associated components may be a substantial mirrorimage about a vertical plane extending through a center of the headgear(and a wearer's head when the headgear is worn). In other words, theforehead strap 68 and associated components may be symmetrical on bothsides of a wearer's head as illustrated in FIG. 13. In this example, theforehead strap 68 is at least partially pivotal relative to the sidemembers 64. Also, in this example, the forehead strap 68 is comprised ofa first forehead strap 68A and a second forehead strap 68B. In thisexample, the first forehead strap 68A is rigidly coupled to andnon-rotatable relative to the side members 64 and the second foreheadstrap 68B is pivotally coupled to the side members 64. The first andsecond forehead straps 68A, 68B are spaced-apart from one another toprovide a space or cavity 124 there between. The space or cavity 124changes in size as the second forehead strap 68B moves relative to thefirst forehead strap 68A. In the illustrated example, the first foreheadstrap 68A is unitarily formed as one-piece with the side members 64. Inother examples, the first forehead strap 68A may be rigidly coupled tothe side members 64 in a variety of manners including, but not limitedto, bonding, adhering fastening, clipping, welding, fusing, or any othermanner.

With continued reference to FIG. 13, and similar to the forehead strap68 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the second forehead strap 68B definesapertures 138 at its ends 142 that cooperate with pairs of projections146 in order to couple and allow rotation of the second forehead strap68B to the side members 64. The pairs of projections 146 and ends 142 ofthe second forehead strap 68B may cooperate in similar manners to thatdescribed above in connection with the forehead strap 68 illustrated inFIGS. 2-4.

In this example, the second forehead strap 68B rotates relative to thefirst forehead strap 68A and the side members 64 to accommodate varioushead sizes. The second forehead strap 68B may rotate between any rangeor any angle. In the illustrated example, the headgear 36 associatedwith the first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B does not include anylimiting member(s) for engaging and limiting rotation of the secondforehead strap 68B. In another example, the headgear 36 associated withthe first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B may include a limitingmember for each end 142 of the second forehead strap 68B. In such anexample, the headgear 36 would include two limiting members. In anotherexample, the headgear 36 may include a limiting member for only one end142 of the second forehead strap 68B. In such an example, the headgear36 would include one limiting member.

With reference to FIG. 14, another example of a forehead strap 68 isillustrated. One side of the forehead strap 68 and associated componentsare illustrated in FIG. 14, but it should be understood that theforehead strap 68 and associated components may be a substantial mirrorimage about a vertical plane extending through a center of the headgear(and a wearer's head when the headgear is worn). In other words, theforehead strap 68 and associated components may be symmetrical on bothsides of a wearer's head as illustrated in FIG. 14. In this example, theforehead strap 68 is at least partially pivotal relative to the sidemembers 64. Also, in this example, the forehead strap 68 is comprised ofa first forehead strap 68A and a second forehead strap 68B. In thisexample, the second forehead strap 68B is rigidly coupled to andnon-rotatable relative to the side members 64 and the first foreheadstrap 68A is pivotally coupled to the side members 64. The first andsecond forehead straps 68A, 68B are spaced-apart from one another toprovide a space or cavity 124 there between. The space or cavity 124changes in size as the first forehead strap 68A rotates relative to thesecond forehead strap 68B. In the illustrated example, the secondforehead strap 68B is unitarily formed as one-piece with the sidemembers 64. In other examples, the second forehead strap 68B may berigidly coupled to the side members 64 in a variety of mannersincluding, but not limited to, bonding, adhering fastening, clipping,welding, fusing, or any other manner.

With continued reference to FIG. 14, and similar to the forehead strap68 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the first forehead strap 68A definesapertures 138 at its ends 142 that cooperate with pairs of projections146 in order to couple and allow rotation of the first forehead strap68A to the side members 64. The pairs of projections 146 and ends 142 ofthe first forehead strap 68A may cooperate in similar manners to thatdescribed above in connection with the forehead strap 68 illustrated inFIGS. 2-4.

In this example, the first forehead strap 68A rotates relative to thesecond forehead strap 68B and the side members 64 to accommodate varioushead sizes. The first forehead strap 68A may rotate between any range orany angle. In the illustrated example, the headgear 36 associated withthe first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B does not include anylimiting member(s) for engaging and limiting rotation of the firstforehead strap 68A. In another example, the headgear 36 associated withthe first and second forehead straps 68A, 68B may include a limitingmember for each end 142 of the first forehead strap 68A. In such anexample, the headgear 36 would include two limiting members. In anotherexample, the headgear 36 may include a limiting member for only one end142 of the first forehead strap 68A. In such an example, the headgear 36would include one limiting member.

It should be understood that the headgear 36 may have a variety ofshapes, sizes, and configurations and all of such possibilities areintended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that the use of any orientation or directionalterms herein such as, for example, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”,“back”, “left”, “right”, “side”, etc., is not intended to imply only asingle orientation of the item with which it is associated or to limitthe present disclosure in any manner. The use of such orientation ordirectional terms is intended to assist with the understanding ofprinciples disclosed herein and to correspond to the exemplaryorientation illustrated in the drawings. For example, the protectiveheadwear 20 and headgear 36 may be utilized in any orientation and useof such terms is intended to correspond to the exemplary orientation ofthe protective headwear 20 and headgear 36 illustrated in the drawings.The use of these terms in association with the protective headwear 20and headgear 36 is not intended to limit the protective headwear 20 andheadgear 36 to a single orientation or to limit the protective headwear20 and headgear 36 in any manner.

The Abstract of the disclosure is provided to allow the reader toquickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It issubmitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpretor limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in theforegoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features aregrouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than allfeatures of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claimsare hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

While various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodimentsand implementations are possible within the scope of the disclosure.Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be restricted except in light ofthe attached claims and their equivalents.

1. A headgear for engaging and supporting protective headwear on awearer's head, the headgear comprising: a first side member on a firstside of the headgear; a second side member on a second side of theheadgear; a forehead strap coupled to and extending between the firstand second side members; an occipital strap coupled to and extendingbetween the first and second side members, wherein the occipital strapis pivotal relative to the first and second side members; a top strapcoupled to and extending between the first and second side members,wherein the top strap is coupled to the first and second side membersbetween the forehead strap and the occipital strap, and wherein the topstrap is configured to extend over a top of a wearer's head; and a rearstrap coupled to and extending between the first and second sidemembers, wherein the rear strap couples to the first and second sidemembers between the top strap and the occipital strap.
 2. The headgearof claim 1, wherein the occipital strap includes a first portion and asecond portion, wherein the first portion is rigidly coupled to one ofthe first side member and the second side member and the second portionis pivotally coupled to the first portion.
 3. The headgear of claim 1,wherein the occipital strap includes two first portions and two secondportions, wherein one of the two first portions is rigidly coupled tothe first side member and the other of the two first portions is rigidlycoupled to the second side member, and wherein one of the two secondportions is pivotally coupled to the one of the two first portions andthe other of the two second portions is pivotally coupled to the otherof the two first portions.
 4. The headgear of claim 3, furthercomprising a tightening member coupled to the two second portions of theoccipital strap.
 5. The headgear of claim 1, wherein the forehead strapincludes padding configured to engage a wearer's forehead with theheadgear worn by a wearer and provide comfort to the wearer.
 6. Theheadgear of claim 5, wherein the forehead strap includes an interiorsurface and the padding is at least partially positioned on the interiorsurface of the forehead strap.
 7. The headgear of claim 6, wherein theoccipital strap includes a pad configured to engage a wearer's head withthe headgear worn by a wearer.
 8. The headgear of claim 1, wherein theoccipital strap includes a pad configured to engage a wearer's head withthe headgear worn by a wearer.
 9. A headgear for engaging and supportingprotective headwear on a wearer's head, the headgear comprising: a firstside member on a first side of the headgear; a second side member on asecond side of the headgear; a forehead strap coupled to and extendingbetween the first and second side members; an occipital strap coupled toand extending between the first and second side members; an adjustmentmember coupled to the occipital strap and configured to adjust a lengthof the occipital strap; and a third strap coupled to and extendingbetween the first and second side members, wherein the third strap iscoupled to the first and second side members between the forehead strapand the occipital strap, wherein an aperture is defined near each end ofthe third strap and each of the first and second side members includes apair of resilient projections extending therefrom, and wherein the pairof resilient projections extending from the first side member insertinto one of the apertures on one end of the third strap and the pair ofresilient projections extending from the second side member insert intothe other one of the apertures in the other end of the third strap. 10.The headgear of claim 9, wherein the occipital strap includes a padcoupled to the occipital strap and configured to engage a wearer's headwith the headgear worn by a wearer
 11. The headgear of claim 9, furthercomprising a limiting member engageable by the third strap to limitpivoting of the third strap.
 12. The headgear of claim 11, wherein thelimiting member extends from one of the first and second side membersand is engageable by an edge of the third strap.
 13. The headgear ofclaim 11, wherein the third strap includes a first edge and a secondedge opposite the first edge, wherein the first and second edges of thelimiting member are engageable with the limiting member to limitpivoting of the third strap in two directions.
 14. The headgear of claim9, further comprising a first limiting member and a second limitingmember for limiting pivoting of the third strap, wherein the firstlimiting member extends from the first side member and the secondlimiting member extends from the second side member.
 15. The headgear ofclaim 14, wherein the third strap includes a first end and a second end,wherein the first limiting member is configured to engage the first endof the third strap and the second limiting member is configured toengage the second end of the third strap.
 16. The headgear of claim 9,wherein the occipital strap includes a first portion and a secondportion, wherein the first portion is rigidly coupled to one of thefirst side member and the second side member and the second portion ispivotally coupled to the first portion.
 17. The headgear of claim 9,wherein the occipital strap includes two first portions and two secondportions, wherein one of the two first portions is rigidly coupled tothe first side member and the other of the two first portions is rigidlycoupled to the second side member, and wherein one of the two secondportions is pivotally coupled to the one of the two first portions andthe other of the two second portions is pivotally coupled to the otherof the two first portions.
 18. The headgear of claim 17, furthercomprising a tightening member coupled to the two second portions of theoccipital strap.
 19. The headgear of claim 9, wherein the forehead strapincludes padding configured to engage a wearer's forehead with theheadgear worn by a wearer and provide comfort to the wearer.
 20. Theheadgear of claim 19, wherein the forehead strap includes an interiorsurface and the padding is at least partially positioned on the interiorsurface of the forehead strap.